The Red Pony (1949)

I'll tell you why so serious

Did you people see the same film I saw?

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

John Steinbeck adapted his own book for the screen, in what turned out to be Republic Pictures' costliest production up to that time. Daydreaming young farm boy in central California receives a pony of his own, but learns that taking care of an animal is a big responsibility even for grown-ups. If one is attuned to this kind of corny family drama (with a story-tellin' grandpa, a man and wife who can't keep their lips off each other, a cozy homestead with blue and white-checkered curtains in the windows, et al.), there are some pleasures to be had here. Robert Mitchum's slow-drawlin' ranch hand is nice to have around, and the cinematography by Tony Gaudio is very good. Still, this slice-of-rustic-life isn't particularly convincing. Shepperd Strudwick as the boy's father, who constantly calls his son "big britches," isn't as lively as the family's livestock, while Myrna Loy (her lipsticked mouth a pinched red rosebud on her milky-white complexion) looks curiously imperious while saying things like "Go finish your chores!" Loy is nothing if not professional, and she usually assimilates herself to any scenario, but why she was attracted to a role where she cooks and dusts all day and then stands at the sink washing dishes is anyone's guess. Lewis Milestone directed, and stages a strong opening with the animals waking up with the dawn--and an owl eyeing an innocent rabbit (perhaps the inspiration for Charles Laughton in his staging of a similar scene in "The Night of the Hunter"). ** from ****

Like John Garfield, Robert Mitchum is yet another one of my very favourite actors from that particular, by-gone era of moviedom history.If you ask me, Mitchum was such an easy-to-like actor. Without any apparent pretentiousness, he casually projected just the right kind of masculinity (on-screen) which unanimously appealed to both men and women, alike.So, with keeping that in mind - Is it any wonder that I found the best scenes in The Red Pony to clearly be the ones where Mitchum played a direct part in the action? I mean, without this dude's presence I probably wouldn't have enjoyed this film to the degree that I did and I most likely would've rated it somewhat lower, as well.For the most part - I'd say that The Red Pony (which was beautifully filmed in lush Technicolor) was a film that would be best enjoyed by children. There really wasn't much of a tale in this sentimental, Hollywood Western to hold the rapt attention of an adult.

This is a beautiful motion picture about a boy and a horse (and there are many of those). Adapted by John Steinbeck from the author's own short stories, it captures its rural setting perfectly, and the entire production is enlivened by strong characterizations. Louis Calhern is especially fun as Grandfather, and Margaret Hamilton shines as a stern schoolmarm. But the real star, aside from the titular animal, is the dialogue. The people in this story speak so realistically and naturally, it spoils you and makes you wish all films were written this way. An added bonus is Aaron Copland's music. Remade in 1973 as a television movie by Universal.

Young dreamer Peter Miles (as Tom Tiflin) receives "The Red Pony" as a gift from father Shepperd Strudwick (as Fred Tiflin). But, the boy receives help in training the animal not from his distant dad, but from ranch-land Robert Mitchum (as Billy Buck). When tragedy strikes, the lad learns some of life's lessons. The cast is certainly capable, especially with mother Myrna Loy (as Alice Tiflin) in the mix. But, the triad of adults does not approach the seething subtext present in "Shane" (1953). And, John Steinbeck's screenplay does not evoke the passion of similar films, like "The Yearling" (1947).For these reasons, "The Red Pony" isn't as well-remembered. Still, it's an excellent production, with some fairly interesting character dynamics. Director Lewis Milestone and photographer Tony Gaudio contribute beautifully. This was the last film for Mr. Gaudio, who must have, although not finally nominated, received some "Academy Award" consideration for "Best Color Cinematography". Aaron Copland's musical score is also award-worthy. Louis Calhern (as grandfather) and Margaret Hamilton (as teacher) add support. Watch for Beau (son of Lloyd) Bridges and Nino Tempo (brother of April Stevens).******* The Red Pony (3/28/49) Lewis Milestone ~ Peter Miles, Robert Mitchum, Myrna Loy